Flintoff and Chapple to return

Andrew Flintoff is set to make his first-class return

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and experienced seamer Glen Chapple are set to make their first-class returns in Lancashire’s LV County Championship Division One clash at champions Sussex.

Flintoff’s hopes of an England recall this summer after being sidelined by ankle surgery last winter were hit when he suffered a side strain seven weeks ago.

He has made a gradual return to action in the second XI and in the Twenty20 Cup over the past week and is now ready to step up his comeback.

Chapple also made his return in the Twenty20 Cup following a groin injury that saw him miss the first half of the season.

New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent, brought in as a short-term replacement for Brad Hodge, remains in the Lancashire side with the Australian batsman still away on international duty.

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed returns for Sussex following a knee injury which kept him out of their Twenty20 Cup campaign.

England all-rounder Luke Wright is also available despite his involvement in the fifth NatWest Series one-day international against New Zealand at Lord’s today.

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Smith will have to wait for his first-class debut after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the county this week.